stay

Since my last spiritual direction session, I have been meditating on the word “stay.” With much care by my spiritual director (who must have a secret hotline to the Holy Spirit), I was offered this word as a gift of sorts, and I have not taken it for granted.

Recently, I ran across this excerpt from Jennifer Michael Hecht’s book Stay. Needless to say, the title alone piqued my interest, and her words wove a bit of secular scripture that I have tucked away for reflection.

Some days, I recognize that words which have moved me may find a place in someone else’s heart. Today is that day for these.

“None of us can truly know what we mean to other people, and none of us can know what our future self will experience. History and philosophy ask us to remember these mysteries, to look around at friends, family, humanity, at the surprises life brings — the endless possibilities that living offers — and to persevere. There is love and insight to live for, bright moments to cherish, and even the possibility of happiness, and the chance of helping someone else through his or her own troubles. Know that people, through history and today, understand how much courage it takes to stay. Bear witness to the night side of being human and the bravery it entails, and wait for the sun. If we meditate on the record of human wisdom we may find there reason enough to persist and find our way back to happiness. The first step is to consider the arguments and evidence and choose to stay. After that, anything may happen. First, choose to stay.”